CBO Scores Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act of 2017

The Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act of 2017 (S 102) would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study ways to enhance access to telecommunications services during emergencies when mobile service is unavailable. The bill also would redefine the term “essential service provider” to explicitly include certain telecommunication mediums, such as Internet and cable services, in a list of entities that provide essential services. (Providers of essential services are generally provided access to disaster sites in order to restore and repair services during emergency situations.) Finally, S. 102 would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study ways the federal government could increase the resiliency of essential communication services during emergencies.

Based on an analysis of information from the FCC, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that carrying out the analysis required by the bill would increase the agency’s administrative costs by less than $500,000. However, the FCC is authorized to collect fees sufficient to offset the costs of its regulatory activities each year; therefore, CBO estimates that the net effect on discretionary spending would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority. Based on the costs of similar reports prepared by GAO, CBO estimates that the increased costs to GAO to conduct the required study would be insignificant.